The Latest: Nestle says it will follow California water laws

LOS ANGELES — The Latest on California regulators ruling on Nestle water claims (all times local):

6:25 p.m.

Nestle, which sells Arrowhead bottled water, says it will comply fully with California law after regulators said it lacks valid permits to take millions of gallons of water from Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest.

The State Water Resources Control Board notified Nestle Waters North America on Wednesday that it doesn't have proper rights to take 8.5 million gallons out of about 32 million gallons a year.

Nestle says it's pleased that the report reaffirms that it holds title to a significant amount of water.

The company has argued it inherited forest water rights dating back more than a century.

Environmental groups have challenged the water use, arguing it's improper and threatens local wildlife.

___

4:59 p.m.

Nestle, which makes Arrowhead bottled water, may have to stop taking millions of gallons of water from Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest because state regulators say it lacks valid permits.

The State Water Resources Control Board notified the company on Wednesday that an investigation concluded it doesn't have proper rights to about three-quarters of the water it currently withdraws for bottling.

That works out to about 8.5 million gallons out of about 32 million gallons a year that Nestle Waters North America pipes from wells and collection tunnels in the forest.

Nestle says it's reviewing the report.

The company has argued it inherited forest water rights dating back more than a century.

Environmental groups have challenged the water use, arguing it's improper and threatens local wildlife.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the lack of permits applies to three-quarters of current water withdrawals, not a quarter.

About Us

Tale Out is your go-to website when it comes to global travel and lifestyle news. If you need suggestions for the most relaxing places for vacation or some zen spa retreat, we have it all here in Tale Out.